At CH Smith Marine we like to practice what we preach, with fishing and boating a hobby as much as a job. Our Managing Director, Rod Smith has been Europe skippering a 50' Bavaria Yacht called Buba.

Where are you sailing?

 We picked up our charter in Split. It is the second time we have been here. This time our plan was to sail north up to Skradin to see the waterfalls. 4 years ago we went south to Vis, Korcula, Hvar

Where are you stopping?

We have 2 weeks and no set plan. We are here to enjoy ourselves, but not to get anywhere specially as everywhere is new and magic. Our crew likes remote anchorages as well as shopping, so we alternate between a marina one night and the wilderness the next.

Challenges?

This time more than anticipated!! In Europe they moor Stern first and with the aide of a Bow thruster, I had mastered this technique in our last voyage. However at one municipal Harbour, our Bow Line (un observed by me) went diagonally under our Boat. Of course when we let it go to leave, the smaller draw Line wrapped around our Propeller. It was made all the worse because this had happend in the previous charter and they had not been able to refit the Propeller Shaft >Anode, prior to us leaving. Consequently the small draw Line wrapped tightly in the gap. We had to get a diver in to cut it off - fortunatley no damage was done to the Shaft or Propeller.

The saying goes that problems happen in 3's. After being anchored overnight during a violent mini cyclonic storm where our Boat was doing multiple 360's (yes the Anchor held), our engine battery would not start. We rang the charter company and after checking the battery and its connections, we identified that there was no electrolyte (water) in the battery. The house battery was ok, so after improvising a jump starter lead out of a wire coat hanger, we fashioned a connection & got started.  We made straight to Port & put in 4 litres of distilled water. Our battery problems were not over however. In the briefing during the handover, I had not been advised that this particular Volvo Penta engine had a unique quirk. Unless you idled the engine up to 2000rpm after starting, it would not charge the batteries. After several nights of not being in a marina, we were approaching a marina Berth and went to use the Bow thruster in a tight spot with strong winds - nothing. With a floatilla arriving behind us we caused some mayhem for a while, but avoided collisions, Rope around the prop etc while we sorted out the problem. We tried using the mobile phone onboard but kept getting a recorded message. We found out later that the phone had run out credit. We were able to skype. Only then did we learn from the charter company subsequently how to charge the batteries at sea..

Electronics on board?

Raymarine RC435 chartplotter, Raymaine Autopilot & instruments

Other notable equipment?

Self Furling sails, Bow thruster, electric Anchor winch, air conditioning when on mains power.

Advice for someone wanting to undertake the same?

Try and charter the newest Boat in the fleet. This Boat was 7 years old and was being retired at the end of the year. The Gear was old & did not always work. Newer boats have the latest equipment and are generally easier to operate. 2 weeks was a good time as it is a long way from Australia to get there & there is so much to see, one week would not be enough.

Why sail as opposed to travelling on land?

In Croatia there are 777 islands along the coast which all have their own features. While you can get a ferry, the truly magical moments were alone in an inlet. You get to see the main tourist spots by ferry, but it is so much more enjoyable being independent.

Associated costs?

The Boat hire cost $3000 per couple for the 2 weeks ($214 per night/couple). We got a 15% discount for a second charter. In addition you pay for fuel used, food, marina fees (can be up to $120/night per boat), cleaning on return. In Croatia the marina's provide water/mains power & use of showers for no additional cost.

What's the Yacht like/why did you pick this particular one?

The Yacht could sleep 10, we chose only to go with a total of 6 which meant we had plenty of space. We had chartered a 46' last time which could sleep 8. The extra room was appreciated in the 50 footer as there was a toilet/shower per couple. On the 46' there was only 2 heads (toilet/shower). Sometimes it depends on what was available when you book. We had tried to get a younger Boat, but it was not available in out time slot. We also had a good experience last time with this company.

Are you allowed to fish?

Not without a licence & we didn't have time to organise before we departed.

Are there any restrictions to fishing?

Yes like Australia there are designated marine parks, however they were not visible on the Chart plotters map.

Where would you like to go next?

Turkey probably from Marmaris hopefully in 2016!